Banned Books Week is coming up, Sept. 22-28. During that week, various educational institutions, such as libraries and businesses, including bookstores, create displays or put together educational tables to inform the public of the importance of freedom of choice in reading.
Books that are wildly popular have been challenged or even burned because they address sensitive issues or include details that are upsetting to a small portion of the reading community.
This year’s theme for Banned Books Week is “Keep the Light on: Censorship Leaves Us in the Dark.”
In recognition of this year’s theme, the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library is keeping a lighted vigil on the Banned Books in its display.
According to a press release from Librarian Mary Grace Collier-Kisler,
“The S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library in Port Allegany is celebrating the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been reported to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom as challenged or banned in certain schools, universities, libraries and communities.”
The release explains the display includes books that have been historically banned and books that are currently being challenged by censorship attempts.
Patrons are welcome to support their freedom to read by checking out the books on the display.
At the Hamlin Library in Smethport, a display highlights classics and newer books that have been challenged or banned throughout the years.
“I included a lot of classics — I think people forget that books that have been around for a long time might have faced challenges,” said Lori Rounsville, Hamlin Library librarian. “I always hope (and stress, if asked) that even if you don’t agree with everything a book has to offer, every book has something to expand your viewpoint.”
Rounsville noted that Hamlin Library has not had any books challenged due to content in recent years. In the past year, one parent expressed concern over language used in “Superman: dawnbreaker,” and upon further research, Rounsville determined the book was better suited to young adult than the juvenile fiction section where it was previously located.
According to a release on www.bookweb.org, “Banned Books Week is the most important opportunity during the year for advocates — publishers, booksellers, librarians, educators, journalists, and readers — to explain why we must defend everyone’s right to choose what they want to read and view.”
Banned Books Week began in 1982. As recently as last year, books were being challenged for a variety of reasons. According to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, the Top 11 Most Challenged Books for 2018 are:
George by Alex Gino:
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints;
Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple;
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas; Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (also a series on Netflix), banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide; This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki;
Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy Schachner, challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture; The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman; and Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan, challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content.
These books were found based on 347 challenges to library, school, and university materials, tracked by the Office of Intellectual Freedom during 2018.
Plans are in motion for displays in honor of Banned Books Week at both the Bradford Area Public Library and On the Side Books on Kennedy Street.
